As if the 3-8 Philadelphia Eagles’ season hasn’t already been bad enough, the team took another huge hit on Tuesday when head coach Andy Reid announced that wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been placed on the season-ending Injured Reserve list with multiple fractured ribs.

Tests revealed that Jackson suffered multiple fractured ribs during the Eagles’ Monday night loss to the Carolina Panthers. The injury was originally believed to be a rib cartilage ailment, but it appears that the severity was misinterpreted.

Jackson’s injury occurred late in the first quarter, forcing him permanently from the game with an injury that initially resembled a collarbone break. Now, he’s been permanently removed from the 2012 active roster with fractured ribs.

Throughout the first 12 weeks, Jackson had amassed 45 receptions for 700 yards and two touchdowns. His production had been up and down throughout the year, but he remained consistent as part of the Eagles’ injury-stricken offense. With him out of the lineup for the rest of the season, players such as Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant (if healthy) and Riley Cooper will be forced to step up and try to replace the impact that Jackson brings to the table.

With a defense that’s falling apart at the seams and an offense trying to coddle rookie quarterback Nick Foles, the Eagles are already down for the count in 2012. With this latest loss, Philadelphia could be headed for 12-straight losses and a Top Five pick in the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft.